Kids in the Kitchen on the menu Saturday at Albany Mall

ALBANY — This weekend, members of the Junior League of Albany are hoping to share some healthy eating and lifestyle choices with area children when the organization hosts its 8th annual Kids in the Kitchen event at the Albany Mall.

Kids in the Kitchen is an Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. campaign designed to curb childhood obesity, which brings with it a myriad health risks, by promoting health and wellness through teaching children how to make healthy lifestyle choices, such as having a nutritional diet.

At this year’s event, which will take place 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the J.C. Penney wing of the Albany Mall, kids will have an opportunity not only to learn about healthy meal recipes, but also why eating healthy is so important.

“We are so thrilled to again be spearheading ‘Kids in the Kitchen,’” said Jessica Rutledge, who is chairing this year’s event. “This event is a unique opportunity to make a lasting effect on the area’s youth in regard to healthy eating and having a balanced diet. With so many options being thrown at children these days, the members of the Junior League want to instill the idea that eating a well balanced diet is a viable option to anyone.”

This year’s Kids in the Kitchen event is free and open to all area children. Those in attendance will also get a chance to work with Junior League volunteers to make healthy snacks.

Kids in the Kitchen is an international initiative taking place in more than 200 communities in four countries worldwide since it was started in 2006 from inspiration draw from Junior League of Calgary’s Junior Chefs program.

To learn more about the Kids in the Kitchen initiative visit www.kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org. To learn more about the Junior League of Albany and its programs visit www.jlalbany.org.